Expanding the reach of the Good Work Standard (5)

Onkar Sahota: The NHS is the largest employer in London, but according to your answer to question 2020/0306, only two health sector organisations have signed up to the Good Work Standard. What are you doing to improve this?

The Mayor: I agree that the NHS is a very important employer. Now more than ever, it’s important we recognise the hard work that our health workers do, and the risks that they take, to keep us safe and save lives.
I’m pleased to have two care companies on board and that other health sector organisations have begun their Good Work Standard journey. NHS Trusts have attended some of the Good Work Standard events and expressed an interest in the Standard. Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust have both demonstrated their commitment to fair pay by recently becoming Living Wage employers.
In due course, I will write to all of London’s Trusts urging them to participate in the Good Work Standard.
My teams promote the Good Work Standard side by side with the London Healthy Workplace Award which already has some important partners from the health sector onboard. We’ll also be encouraging them address broader workforce issues through the Good Work Standard.

Expanding the reach of the Good Work Standard (1)

Onkar Sahota: What is the target number of firms to be accredited with the Good Work Standard according to the relevant GLA team's objectives?

The Mayor: As a new initiative, there is no target in the relevant team’s objectives. But I have been clear that I want as many employers as possible to sign up to the Good Work Standard as I believe this is a benchmark for employment standards that all employers should aim to achieve.
The success of the Good Work Standard will depend on both the number of employers signed up to the initiative and gain accreditation and the number of workers and employees who benefits from these progressive working practices.
We are engaging a range of employers from different sectors and of different sizes and currently, the Good Work Standard now covers more than 205,000 employees and 71 employers in London and growing weekly. We are currently accrediting employers at a rate of one every three days.

Expanding the reach of the Good Work Standard (4)

Onkar Sahota: Greater Manchester will be tying public procurement to a good employment charter. How far do the social value procurement policies of the GLA family encourage participating employers to meet the Good Work Standard?

The Mayor: The GLA family’s Responsible Procurement Policy sets out our approach to social value.
The policy includes promotion of my Good Work Standard to suppliers. Suppliers can use the Good Work Standard accreditation as an example of the social value they deliver.
I have also personally written to our key suppliers to encourage them to become Good Work Standard employers. Our procurement team also promotes the Good Work Standard as part of their regular discussions with suppliers.

London City Airport and the Good Work Standard

Caroline Russell: On 25 Feb 2020, an Early Day Motion called for the end of harassment to trade unionists at London City Airport. London City Airport is currently listed on the GLA website as an accredited Good Work Standard employer. Will you review this accreditation in light of the Early Day Motion?

The Mayor: I am aware of the Early Day Motion and my team are in contact with the Airport and the unions.
Our workplaces are safer, more productive and better places to be because of our trade unions and my Good Work Standard encourages employers to recognise unions for collective bargaining purposes wherever workers seek to organise.
Any accredited employer who acts in a way that is contrary to this principle is not meeting the terms of the Standard and I will seek to put that right - either by seeking reassurance that practices have been addressed and improved or by removing their accreditation.

PMI New Business Index

Tony Devenish: With the PMI New Business Index increasing in January 2020, how will you be making the most of the positive opportunities for business that Brexit will bring?

The Mayor: As things stand, Londoners’ jobs and livelihoods are at risk from the Coronavirus pandemic and the prospect of a global recession is now unavoidable. The Government has no chance of carrying out meaningful negotiations with the EU or other countries but continues to rule out extending the Brexit transition period.
I hope the Government will change its position. Otherwise London and UK businesses will face further needless disruption at the end of the year, in the form of tariffs and red tape when we leave the single market and customs union.
I am confident that in the long-term the capital will continue to thrive and be an open, leading global city. A step I have already taken is to support London & Partners to expand their global office network, so we can continue to attract investment into the capital now Britain has left the EU.

Cycling Killed and Seriously Injured

Navin Shah: The number of people killed or seriously injured while cycling increased by 14 per cent between 2017 and 2018, in the context of a 3 per cent increase in cycle journeys in London. How do you account for such a high increase in KSIs?

The Mayor: London has seen a very positive growth in people cycling in recent years. The risk of being killed or seriously injured whilst cycling has fallen by over a third over the last ten years, whilst the number of journeys cycled has more than doubled since 2000. For the first time, more than four million kilometres were cycled each day in London during 2018.
There was a concerning increase in cyclists killed and seriously injured between 2017 and 2018 with the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured during 2017 being the lowest number since 2005. The greatest increase was in collisions involving cars, with the other vehicle turning right across the path of the cyclist being the most common conflict.
My Vision Zero and Walking and Cycling Action Plans set out ambitious targets for eliminating death and serious injury from London's roads. The majority of collisions involving cyclists occur at junctions and Transport for London's (TfL) Safer Junctions programme is making life-saving changes to 73 junctions across the capital.
Provisional figures for 2019 show that the number of cyclists killed has more than halved, compared to 2018, to the lowest level on record; however five people still lost their lives whilst cycling. This is unacceptable and highlights the urgent and continued action that is needed to eliminate death and serious injury and prevent more families, friends and communities from experiencing the devastation of road trauma.

Air Quality Fund

Leonie Cooper: Please provide a breakdown of Air Quality Fund spending by Borough since 2016.

The Mayor: The attached document has a detailed breakdown of this information.

Diesel

David Kurten: In the last Plenary meeting of the London Assembly, Commissioner Mike Brown stated that there were three sub-standards within Euro 6 standard for diesel vehicles, some of which were not clean. What are the implications of this for your policies on the bus fleet, private hire vehicle licencing, ULEZ, LEZ, and Via Van and other on-demand bus services which use Euro 6 diesel vehicles?

The Mayor: Euro 6 has been introduced in stages which differ between light duty vehicles (Euro 6 for cars and vans) and heavy duty engines (Euro VI for HGVs, buses and coaches). These stages reflect changes to the method used to test a vehicle’s emissions, with the method becoming progressively more accurate. Throughout these stages, the emissions limits have not changed, only the way they are measured.
For all vehicle types, Euro VI produces considerably lower emissions of NOx than Euro V and contribution to total NOx emissions is reducing as a result.
Schemes requiring Euro VI standard for diesel vehicles do not require specific Euro VI designations. Designations are determined by the method of testing which varies based on the date the vehicle is presented for testing, rather than its emission levels. All Euro VI standard vehicles comply with the required Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) standards, and all Euro VI vehicles also comply with the LEZ standard. Air quality monitoring data on ULEZ shows roadside NO2 pollution has reduced by 36 per cent in the zone from February 2017 to September 2019. Analysis estimates that the reduction in NO2 pollution solely attributable to the ULEZ is 29 per cent.

Girls in STEM (7)

Jennette Arnold: Does your Good Work Standard contain provisions for gender parity in STEM organisations?

The Mayor: Yes. My Good Work Standard promotes gender parity in the workplace. I am pleased to have leading STEM organisations such as the Francis Crick institute sharing their best practice.
The standard includes open and accessible recruitment, fair and equal opportunities for development and progression, use of workforce data to improve workforce diversity and increasing flexible working options and other family-friendly benefits.
My Good Work Standard is a great way of signposting employers to good practice, for example the Our Time Toolkit. The Our Time initiative was launched at the beginning of last year. It is a toolkit that works as a step-by-step guide for employers to learn from the approach taken at City Hall to increase the number of women in leadership roles.

Cycleway 10

Tony Devenish: On 6th February TfL told key stakeholders, including the Holland Park Residents’ Association, in the proposed Cycleway 10 that there would be a number of negative consequences to the proposal. These include worse air quality at a number of parts of the route, more rat runs including 200-400 additional cars an hour through certain residential streets, longer bus journeys along the route and many more issues. Given this, will you scrap this proposal and go back to the drawing board?

The Mayor: We do not intend to walk away from this scheme. This stretch of road isn’t safe. There have been 275 collisions over the last three years alone, and the vast majority of serious injuries have been to cyclists and pedestrians. Our plans would change this – making it easier to cross busy roads with 15 new pedestrian crossings, and a segregated space for people to cycle safely in west London.
This is not a traffic generating scheme; it is designed to give people safe alternatives to using cars. Although the proposals would have some effect on how traffic moves around the area, with some roads seeing slightly more traffic and some slightly less, these changes would be small. Where similar schemes have been built in London, we have seen air quality improve.
Following the consultation, where we saw support for our proposals, TfL has been working with both Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea councils to develop a series of improvements that would address many of the concerns that were raised during the consultation. This includes saving the majority of the trees that were originally proposed to be removed. TfL has had initial discussions with the Royal Borough about these improvements, as well as with key local stakeholder groups. No decisions have been made yet, and discussions will continue with the Royal Borough and local stakeholders.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has made clear to TfL that it supports the proposals, and TfL is now working to finalise plans for that section. TfL is not yet in a position to confirm the final designs, but will produce a summary of the changes once they are agreed.

BYD (2)

Tony Devenish: Will you provide me with comprehensive reliability data of BYD buses’ performance in comparison to the TfL average?

The Mayor: Transport for London does not collect data on how specific vehicles perform, as operators lease or buy buses for their fleets and are responsible for maintaining them.
Operators are, however, measured against mileage not provided for reasons within their control and, in mechanical reliability terms, the BYD buses have compared well with the network average. For example, mechanical lost mileage on route 43 has been very low since the BYD Electric buses began to be introduced from summer onwards. From July 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020, mechanical lost mileage was 0.34% of the service schedule compared to a network average of 0.37% over the same period.

Tube Delays

Tony Devenish: Why do you think the number of Tube delays caused by faulty trains increased by almost a third in two years of your Mayoralty?

The Mayor: Over the course of my Mayoralty, Transport for London (TfL) has benefitted passengers by running a more intensive train service than ever before. In 2018/19, the total number of train trips scheduled to be operated by London Underground was 3.25 million, an increase from 3.16 million in 2015/16.
Over the past two years, the majority of train faults have occurred on the Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines. These issues cover a range of areas, including power and door-related faults. This demonstrates the vital importance of sustained investment in new and refurbished trains, and the replacement of life expired-assets.
In the meantime, TfL is carrying out vital improvement work. On the Piccadilly line, TfL intends to introduce a new fleet of longer, higher capacity trains which will feature wider doors and improved accessibility, as well as walk-through, air-conditioned carriages and improved information systems for passengers.
On the Central line, TfL has commenced the Central Line Improvement Programme (CLIP), a major investment to make all 85 Central line trains safer, more reliable and more accessible. CLIP will improve the performance of trains by replacing their motors, onboard computers, lighting and passenger information systems.
Passengers will experience benefits as improvements are gradually rolled out. The programme is due to be completed in 2023.
On the Bakerloo line fleet, improvements have been started to ensure continued reliability ahead of any renewal of the fleet.
On the Jubilee line, toward the end of last year, a fault was identified on a small number of Jubilee line trains during TfL’s regular safety inspections. This resulted in a reduced number of trains available for service whilst we carried out vital repairs of these trains. These repairs are now complete and all trains are now back in service.

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Manifesto

Tony Devenish: The LCCI has published its manifesto, calling for the appointment of “a Freight Commissioner to deliver a long-term holistic strategy to accommodate a sustained increase in demand”. Do you agree that such an appointment would be beneficial?

The Mayor: Please see my previous answer to 2019/11972.

Transport connectivity in boroughs

Keith Prince: What work are you undertaking with London boroughs to address any concerns about transport connectivity within individual boroughs?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) maintains a regular dialogue with its borough colleagues, which provide an opportunity to raise issues related to transport connectivity. This includes senior meetings held with the Commissioner, quarterly meetings between TfL and borough officers to discuss progress on delivering Local Implementation Plans, as well as project specific liaison. Each borough also has a dedicated TfL contact whose role it is to engage on all transport issues.
In addition, we work closely with boroughs to develop the Opportunity Area Planning Frameworks that address specific issues relating to transport connectivity.

Broken Cameras

Susan Hall: For each of the years Nov 16 to Oct 17, Nov 17 to Oct 18 and Nov 18 to Oct 19, please can you provide the number of times camera on tube trains have stopped working, broken down by tube line?

The Mayor: Please see the table below for the information requested for the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan, Victoria and Northern lines.
Transport for London (TfL) is introducing new trains on the Piccadilly line from 2024, which will have CCTV. CCTV is also being delivered as part of the Central Line Improvement Programme, to be completed in 2023, with the first new trains going into service this year. Transport for London plans to replace the Bakerloo line trains, to include CCTV, once the required funding is secured.
Providing a safe environment for customers and staff remains TfL’s top priority. There are more than 77,000 CCTV cameras across London’s transport network, including 12,000 cameras across the Tube network. There is already CCTV on all platforms. TfL has a system in place to monitor, maintain and assure cameras, to ensure the integrity of the systems and safety and security of customers and staff.
* this data covers all three lines as they operate same rolling stock

Toilets at Crossrail stations

Caroline Pidgeon: Please state which Crossrail stations will have free toilets for passengers.

The Mayor: All toilets on the Elizabeth line will be free for customers.
Please find below a list of stations and toilet facilities when Crossrail is fully completed.
Station
Location
Female toilet
Male toilet
Accessible toilet
Notes
Shenfield
Platforms 3,4 & 5
x
x
x
Brentwood
Platforms 3 & 4
x
x
x
Harold Wood
Platform 3
x
x
x
Gidea Park
Platforms 3 & 4
x
x
x
Romford
Platform 4
x
x
x
Chadwell Heath
Booking hall
x
Goodmayes
Booking hall
x
Seven Kings
Footbridge
x
Ilford
Platform 3 / booking hall (accessible toilet)
x
x
x
Manor Park
A review is underway into the provision of toilets at this station
Forest Gate
Booking hall
x
Maryland
x
Stratford
Concourse A / Concourse A & B (accessible toilet)
x
x
x
Abbey Wood
Booking hall
x
x
x
Woolwich
Custom House
Booking hall
x
Canary Wharf
Toilet provision in adjacent building
Whitechapel
Staff toilet accessible to customers who hold a radar key
Liverpool Street
Mainline station concourse near platform 11 / accessible toilet near platform 10
x
x
x
Farringdon
Platform 4 (northbound Thameslink)
x
Tottenham Court Road
Toilet available on request
x
Bond Street
Toilet provision in adjacent building
Paddington
Mainline station concourse near platform 12 / accessible toilets platforms 1 & 12
x
x
x
Acton Main Line
Station building, south side of the station
x
Ealing Broadway
Within station building
x
x
x
West Ealing
Within station building (north part of the station)
x
Hanwell
Platform 3
x
x
x
Southall
Platform 4, reduced mobility toilet located in the station building (north part of the station)
x
x
x
Hayes and Harlington
Toilets to be provided on platform 4/5
x
x
x
Heathrow T2-3
Airport terminal
x
x
x
Heathrow T5
Station platform
x
x
x
Heathrow T4
Airport terminal
x
x
x
West Drayton
Platform 4
x
x
x
Iver
Within the station Building
x
Langley
Within the station building
x
x
x
Slough
Near platform 1 and platform 5
x
x
x
Burnham
Platform 2
x
x
x
Taplow
Platform 4
x
x
x
Maidenhead
Platform 4
x
x
x
Twyford
Platform 4
x
x
x
Reading
Platforms 1-3, 8 & 9, 10 & 11, 12 & 13, 14 & 15 and concourse.
			Accessible toilets on platforms 14 & 15, 12 & 13, 10 & 11, 8 & 9 and concourse
x
x
x

Service Delay Refund Claims

Keith Prince: Please can you provide the number of service delay refund claims received by TfL, their total refund value and the average refund value for each year since 2015?

The Mayor: Please see the table below for service delay refund totals:
Calendar year
Submitted
Approved
Refund value £
Average £ per claim
2015
204,250
107,571
£418,179.20
£3.89
2016
194,185
161,302
£617,732.80
£3.83
2017
182,653
156,158
£608,568.47
£3.90
2018
432,530
389,342
£1,415,990.15
£3.64
2019
521,004
476,631
£1,760,970.42
£3.69

Zero-tailpipe emission bus fleet

Navin Shah: What progress has been made on TfL’s electrification plan for London to support the introduction of a zero-tailpipe emission bus fleet as soon as possible?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been looking at opportunities to accelerate progress towards a zero-emission bus fleet and how to mitigate against potential barriers such as vehicle costs, vehicle range and garage infrastructure.
TfL currently has 280 electric buses - the largest electric fleet in Western Europe. From this October, all new single-deck buses that it procures will be zero-emission, and by the end of 2020/21, TfL will have up to 500 zero emission buses in its fleet.

Scrappage (3)

Leonie Cooper: How will you be communicating with businesses to inform them of the change to the scheme and increase take-up?

The Mayor: There are two scrappage schemes currently in operation to help vehicle owners adapt to the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ): a van and minibus scrappage scheme for businesses and charities to replace older, more polluting vehicles; and the ULEZ car and motorcycle scrappage scheme, to help low-income and disabled Londoners scrap older, polluting cars and motorcycles.
For the former, I announced in January that eligible businesses with up to 50 employees can now apply for £7,000 to scrap up to three vehicles. Transport for London (TfL) is raising awareness of the changes to the scheme via advertising on radio; in specialist and London press titles; paid-for online search activity for example at markets; and in leaflets distributed via face-to-face activity. Emails have also been sent to customers on the TfL database who own a polluting vehicle. Detailed information is also available on the TfL website.
Additionally, TfL is working with stakeholders across the freight industry and industry associations such as the Federation of Small Businesses and the Freight Trade Association, via London boroughs and locally via Business Improvement Districts, in order to encourage take-up.

Monopole Planning Applications

Navin Shah: A recent planning application to build a monopole in Harrow was rejected by the Council’s planning committee, due to the fact it would be visually and physically intrusive to local residents. It has been suggested by residents that a possible solution to mitigate impact on local residents for future applications, is to build these monopoles on TfL land. As Government policy on telecommunications infrastructure recommends site sharing, can this suggestion of using TfL land be looked into?

The Mayor: As one of London’s largest landowners, Transport for London (TfL) is using its land to build the thousands of affordable homes that London desperately needs while generating money to reinvest into the transport network. TfL will consider any commercially viable use of its land, including offering a commercial lease for a monopole. Any telecommunications infrastructure would need to be carefully considered to ensure that it does not conflict with TfL’s existing, or future, operational requirements or affect its ability to bring forward land for new homes.
Permission to build telecommunications equipment generally lies with the relevant local authority. Any application must demonstrate that the proposed location is appropriate and impacts on neighbouring properties are suitably mitigated.

Responsible procurement

Onkar Sahota: When will the "themes, outcomes and measures" you referred to in answer 2019/0290 be finalised and included in GLA procurement decisions?

The Mayor: My Responsible Procurement team has developed a set of London-specific ‘Themes, Measures and Outcomes’ (TOMs), which are based on the National TOMs, but also reflect my vision to make London a better place to work, live and visit.
The London TOMs will be trialled in GLA Group procurements from 1 April 2020 and reviewed later in the year in preparation for GLA group roll out from 1 April 2021.

Sutton Link (4)

Navin Shah: In July 2018 you published a report Prepared by Greenwood Strategic Advisors entitled “Mind the Gap: Funding and Financing City Investments in the 21st Century”. In the report they suggested the Sutton Tram Extension would have a budget of £350m, of which £175m would be funded by TfL and the boroughs. In October 2018 TfL suggested the project cost was £425m. Can you explain the difference between those figures?

The Mayor: The figure published in the “Mind the Gap” report was based on the estimated cost of the Sutton Tram Extension in early 2018. During the course of 2018, further project development work was undertaken, which identified that some modifications to the scheme design were needed, including more substantial highway works to segregate trams from general traffic, to ensure that trams would operate reliably.
The cost estimate had therefore increased to approximately £425m by the time of the public consultation in 2018. The estimate of £175m of funding being sourced from Transport for London and the boroughs was based on an assumption that 50 per cent of costs would be found from local sources with the remaining 50 per cent from central Government.

Sutton Link (3)

Navin Shah: TfL have said that, “We are also considering how we can collectively access national sources of funding”. Can you update me on what sources of funding you are trying to access and how much each funding source will provide?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) has been exploring whether funding for the Sutton Link can be secured from national sources including the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF). While there is not currently the opportunity to bid for HIF funding, similar Government funding pots may be available for projects like the Sutton Link in the future. With the number of new homes forecast to be enabled by the scheme, it is expected to have a good case for this type of funding and TfL plans to seek opportunities to secure Government funding should it become available.

Sutton Link (2)

Navin Shah: TfL have said that “other sources of funding need to be confirmed if the project is to move forward. We are continuing to work with the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton to explore options for obtaining the remaining funding needed.” Can you update me on what discussions are being held with those boroughs and what types of funding solutions you are considering?

The Mayor: Senior officers from Transport for London (TfL), the London boroughs of Sutton and Merton and the Greater London Authority most recently met in January 2020 to discuss funding options for the scheme.
The £36m of borough funding already committed to the scheme is expected to be sourced from measures including local Community Infrastructure Levies, business rates supplements and Council Tax from new developments. A wide range of other local funding sources have been considered but to date no further substantial sources have been identified that the boroughs are willing to pursue.
Discussions with the boroughs have also focused on funding options from London-wide and national sources, including the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. It is hoped that similar Government funding sources may be available for projects like the Sutton Link in the future and TfL plans to seek opportunities to secure this funding should it become available.

Fare Evasion on the Tube

David Kurten: How many commuters have been caught fare-dodging on the London Underground over the last three years?

The Mayor: Fare evasion costs Transport for London (TfL) £116m a year, which is money that should be invested into London’s transport network.
Tackling fare evasion remains a priority for TfL and it has a comprehensive programme in place to reduce the risk of fare evasion.
As part of its broader strategy to tackle antisocial behaviour, TfL has recently begun recruitment of approximately 60 new Revenue Control Officers to support the existing revenue team and help combat fare evasion.
The following table outlines the number of customers who have been reported on suspicion of fare evasion.
Year
Penalty Fares issued
Number of Irregularity Reports submitted for consideration of enforcement action
2016/17
22,457
5,810
2017/18
24,098
4,925
2018/19
24,407
5,757
2019/20* (data up to Period 12)
17,584
3,472

Crossrail frequency of service

Caroline Pidgeon: I have been contacted by a constituent who wishes to raise the following question: current information from TfL suggests that the Elizabeth Line will run four trains per hour from Hanwell and West Ealing. This is significantly fewer than the Mayor has previously stated, where it was indicated that there would be six trains per hour at Hanwell and 10 per hour serving West Ealing. Please clarify the actual level of frequency of service at both peak and off-peak hours. Please also state what will be the time of the last services from Monday to Sunday.

The Mayor: As Elizabeth line services share track with other national rail services, Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with Network Rail and other operators to agree the final timetable and service frequencies. TfL is reviewing the process that was undertaken in 2016/17 now that there is greater knowledge of how Elizabeth line services can interact with Great Western Railway trains and the growing demand for freight on the route.
TfL intends to enhance the peak time services at Hanwell, West Ealing and Acton Main Line above the four trains per hour that the standard off peak service will provide, and this will be confirmed once the timetable has been developed.
The full timetable will be confirmed closer to the start of services.
It is expected that the last trains will leave Central London at around 00:25 between Monday and Saturday, and at around 23:45 on Sundays. As Network Rail requires regular access to the track to carry out maintenance work, trains will not be able to call at some stations after 23:50 on a weeknight, including Acton Main Line, West Ealing and Hanwell.

Car free cities (1)

Nicky Gavron: With another car free day on the horizon in London, how are you embedding pro-pedestrian and cycling policies into new developments in London?

The Mayor: I have set a target for 80 per cent of journeys in London to be active, efficient and sustainable by 2041. A key aspect of this is ensuring that our city is a safer and better environment for walking and cycling. The draft London Plan sets out a policy framework that supports this and guides local plans, masterplans and individual planning applications.
The draft London Plan is clear that new development should prioritise people walking and cycling over car access (other than for Blue Badge holders who should have appropriate provision designed to meet their needs). The design-led approach set out inthe Plan includes improving the public realm and reducing vehicle dominance so that more people from all walks of life can walk and cycle safely and in comfort. It ensures streets are places not just for movement but for spending time. The draft London Plan Policy T2 Healthy streets demonstrates the breadth of this approach and there are a range of other complementary policies that apply to new developments such as: ambitious cycle parking standards, restrictions on car parking, embedding sustainable and safe freight, and public spaces designed around people rather than traffic.

Elizabeth Line

David Kurten: Currently, TfL suggests that the new Elizabeth line will run four trains per hour from Hanwell and West Ealing stations. This is significantly fewer than you have previously stated (six per hour at Hanwell; ten per hour at West Ealing) which was set out in your response to MQ 2017/3713. Could you please clarify this situation for me?

The Mayor: As Elizabeth line services share track with other national rail services, Transport for London (TfL) is working closely with Network Rail and other operators to agree the final timetable and service frequencies. TfL is reviewing the process that was undertaken in 2016/17 now that there is greater knowledge of how Elizabeth line services can interact with Great Western Railway trains and the growing demand for freight on the route.
TfL intends to enhance the peak time services at Hanwell, West Ealing and Acton Main Line above the four trains per hour that the standard off peak service will provide, and this will be confirmed once the timetable has been developed.
The full timetable will be confirmed closer to the start of services.

Brent Cross station

Andrew Dismore: Do you agree with the renaming of Brent Cross station as Brent Cross East in view of the forthcoming creation of Brent Cross West station; and will you facilitate the change?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) is aware of Barnet Council’s ambition to rename Brent Cross station and is currently looking into this request. Any change to an existing station’s name would require a significant external financial contribution, as TfL would be required to update all their digital channels, operational and management systems, maps and signage across the entire Tube network.
Furthermore, any agreement to rename the station would also be subject to continued support from the local community and stakeholders. I have asked TfL to keep you updated on their discussions with the London Borough of Barnet on this matter.

Walking and cycling improvements

Caroline Russell: What progress have you made to build new walking and cycling connections across the Thames?

The Mayor: In March 2020, Transport for London (TfL) issued an update on its work on a new ferry service between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf, which can be found here.
TfL is proposing a clean, fast ferry service, with new specially-designed boats and piers which will be as environmentally friendly as practicable. These would be fully accessible for people with reduced mobility as well as providing adequate space for standard and adapted cycles and cargo-bikes.
As explained in my response to Mayor’s Question 2020/0666, I hope this can establish a successful model for new cross-river services which could be replicated elsewhere. TfL is continuing to work with stakeholders to monitor other potential locations, such as between North Greenwich and Canary Wharf.
Following my review of the Silvertown Tunnel in 2016, TfL is also committed to working with local stakeholders to develop cross-river walking and cycling improvements as part of the scheme. TfL will share further details on this prior to the new tunnel opening.
Other cross-river walking and cycling connections, such as the Cremorne Footbridge, continue to be considered by third parties, and TfL is monitoring their progress.

Electric buses

Caroline Pidgeon: In a TfL press release dated the 18 February 2020 it is stated that “In addition to the route 94, another 12 routes are expected to become fully electric over the course of this year.” Please set out the details of these routes and the starting dates of these routes becoming fully electric.

The Mayor: Electric buses will start to replace conventional diesel buses on the following 12 routes in 2020, with indicative dates for the start of the roll out included below. Due to the long lead times involved in converting conventional bus routes to electric, it is not possible to provide an exact date of when the routes will become fully electric. Additionally the conversions of the forthcoming routes, from the C10 onwards, are likely to be delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation.

Mayor’s record on Vision Zero

Caroline Russell: Are you confident that London is on track to reduce the number of people who are killed or seriously injured by 65 per cent compared with 2005-2009 levels by 2022?

The Mayor: As set out in my answer to Mayor’s Question 2020/0431, London has made consistent progress in reducing danger on the road network.
However, the target of a 65 per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries remains challenging. Any death or serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and my priority is to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries from London's transport network by 2041, as set out in my Vision Zero action plan.
Progress towards my Vision Zero targets is summarised in Transport for London’s (TfL) Travel in London 12 report http://content.tfl.gov.uk/travel-in-london-report-12.pdf. The forecast presented considers road safety interventions to date and planned future road danger reduction.
While TfL and the Metropolitan Police continue to work to achieve Vision Zero, eliminating deaths and serious injuries will require all Londoners to contribute. I therefore continue to urge all citizens to play their part in ensuring their own and other people’s safety while travelling in London.

ULEZ expansion traffic data

Caroline Russell: In figure 9.2 of the data spreadsheet for Travel in London 12, traffic volume was reported for central, inner, outer and greater London by year and period since the year 2000. Can you supply equivalent data, over the same time period, for the change in traffic volume in the area to be covered by the ULEZ expansion bounded by the North and South Circular Roads?

The Mayor: Transport for London does not currently have equivalent data available for the area to be covered by the Ultra Low Emission Zone expansion. This is because the available data sources are borough-based and not defined by the North and South Circular roads.

Central London ULEZ traffic data

Caroline Russell: In figure 9.2 of the data spreadsheet for Travel in London 12, traffic volume was reported for central, inner, outer and greater London by year and period since the year 2000. Can you supply equivalent data, in the same style, for the change in traffic volume in the current central London area covered by the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?

The Mayor: The traffic data published in figure 9.2 in Travel in London is borough based, where “central London” is defined as City of London and City of Westminster for reporting purposes.
The data for the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone area for the full time series you ask for is not available. It is only available for this area from 2016 to 2019. The year on year change in traffic flows was:
-1.5 percent between 2016-2017
-1.9 per cent between 2017-2018
-4.5 per cent between 2018-2019.
Therefore, in the period between 2016 and 2019, there was an eight per cent reduction in traffic flows in the area covered by the central London Ultra Low Emission Zone.

Lessons from the 2019 ULEZ rollout

Caroline Russell: How will lessons learned from the rollout and implementation of the ULEZ in 2019 be applied to the extension of the ULEZ in 2021?

The Mayor: A comprehensive assessment of the lessons learned was carried out after the successful delivery of the central London ULEZ in May 2019. To ensure these lessons are effectively incorporated into the planning and implementation of the expanded ULEZ in October 2021, Transport for London (TfL) has kept a level of continuity between the delivery teams and supply chain. Where further improvements in delivery and operational readiness can be incorporated, TfL has sought to do so.

Traffic Lights

Tony Devenish: In order to reduce air pollution, mitigate noise pollution and keep London moving, will you commit to investigating whether some traffic lights in London should be switched to amber overnight?

The Mayor: London’s traffic lights are demand-responsive. Overnight, when traffic flow is lower, our traffic lights continue to balance the needs of users while managing conflicting movements.
An amber signal means ‘stop’ at the stop line.Transport for London is not considering changing traffic signals to display amber overnight, and does not currently have any plans to engage with the Department for Transport about changing the definition of an amber signal in the Highway Code.

PLA (2)

Tony Devenish: Do you share my concern that the changes the Port of London Authority (PLA) is seeking seem quite far reaching and potentially detrimental to houseboat owners? Will you urge full public consultation?

The Mayor: The PLA notes it is intending to reviewits proposals in light of any feedback. Once a formal application is submitted to the MMO, there will be opportunities for the public to contribute to the HRO process but it is for the Marine Management Organisation, which oversees that process, to determine what consultation is required. I believe all public authorities should engage openly with all relevant parties on matters of public interest.

Rent Control

Tony Devenish: Do you agree with Assar Lindbeck, Swedish Professor of Economics and former Chairman of the Nobel Prize Committee, who says that rent control, and I quote, “appears to be the most efficient technique presently known to destroy a city”?

The Mayor: London’s renters continue to face unaffordable rent levels that, over the last 15 years, have outpaced earnings. The impact is felt by all renters, but especially families on low incomes and those affected by Government’s recent cuts to welfare benefits. A quarter of renting households spend more than half their income on rent.
More than a quarter of Londoners now rent from private landlords, including many families with children who need stability as well as affordability. Doing nothing is not an option, and I refuse to stand by while London’s renters struggle. My blueprint for reforming private renting calls on Government to devolve powers to City Hall to bring rents down and then and keep them affordable. Londoners back my proposals, with 68 per cent supporting the introduction of rent controls.
Under my proposals, a London Private Rent Commission would be created and this would be responsible for determining the best model of rent control for London, including measures to support continued investment in new and existing rental housing supply.

PLA (1)

Tony Devenish: Are you aware of a recent consultation by the Port of London Authority (PLA) to change its powers by means of a Harbour Regulation Order rather than Act of Parliament?

The Mayor: I understand there was early engagement by PLA on its proposals late last year. This set out that the formal process of amending PLA powers is to grant a Harbour Revision Order (HRO). The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) oversees the HRO application process for statutory harbour authorities in England.

PLA (3)

Tony Devenish: If you do share my concerns regarding these changes, what action have you taken or are you planning to take to push back against them?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2020/1176 and 2020/1177.

Panthea Leadership

Keith Prince: In your response to 2019/21055 you state “Panthea Leadership’s mentoring services and their capability and experience are assessed and procured in an open and competitive tender process” yet a November 2017 report by Mayorwatch (https://www.mayorwatch.co.uk/foi-reveals-transport-for-london-repeatedly...) revealed that TfL “defended the repeated extension of a consultancy contract worth almost £2m over a seven year period without asking rivals to tender for the work." Please provide documentary evidence that Panthea Leadership’s contract for work after November 2017 was contracted on an “open and competitive tender process”.

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor's Question 2019/21054.

Go Look See

Keith Prince: From your response to Question 2020/0739, it appears that actions are taken as a result of Go Look See reports. If so, why are these documents not published on TfL’s Bus Safety Data page for public scrutiny? Will you undertake to ensure that these reports are posted immediately on the TfL Bus Safety Data Page?

The Mayor: Transport for London (TfL) introduced the Go, Look, See site visit process in October 2018, to build its understanding of measures that could contribute to reducing fatal or serious incidents across London’s road network. The visits take place following a fatality on TfL’s road network or within 50 metres of traffic signals on borough roads. The process is not specific to buses and is distinct from the investigations that takes place following significant bus incidents.
Go, Look, See is not an investigation into the root causes of the incident, but instead is a check to identify if there are any maintenance or behavioural issues at that location. Reports are not published since they are based on the qualitative view of those who attend. They are not informed by the forensic police investigation into the root causes of the incident, and they take place prior to the Coroner or Crown Prosecution Service reviewing police evidence.
TfL would be happy to meet with you if you wish to know more about the recommendations and actions from Go, Look, See visits.

Sutton Link (1)

Navin Shah: TfL have said that “some of the funding to deliver the project is currently in place”. Can you outline how much this funding amounts to and who has provided it?

The Mayor: There are current commitments from Transport for London (TfL) and the boroughs of Merton and Sutton, which total approximately £115m. This is comprised of contributions of £79m from TfL, £26m from Sutton and £10m from Merton. However, a large funding gap remains. A contribution from central Government is not currently in place.
To fully cover the amount required more funding will be needed from both local and national sources and I will continue to seek opportunities to secure this funding.

LED Street Lighting (2)

David Kurten: Given that there is much evidence that blue light from LEDs has a detrimental effect on sleep as it supresses melatonin and interferes with human circadian rhythms, will you re-consider your plan to install LEDs across TfL’s road network to avoid the potential adverse health effects that are likely to ensue to residents? 12
1 https://www.exeter.ac.uk/news/featurednews/title_655460_en.html
2 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/04/26/new-led-streetlights-may-double-cancer-risk-new-research-warns/

The Mayor: LEDs improve the energy efficiency of street lighting resulting in reduced cost, longer life and less maintenance. Transport for London (TfL) makes sure that all lights installed are to the correct highway standards and monitors any changing scientific comment on the use of LED lights. TfL also continues to install lighting shields to protect residents from light spillage, if required.

Devolution: A Capital Idea

Navin Shah: Can you update me on what progress you have made with regards to the 25 recommendations from the London Finance Commission in their January 2017 report “Devolution: a capital idea”?

The Mayor: Most of the London Finance Commission’s (LFC) recommendations were aimed at central government and I will continue to engage with the Government, particularly on the Devolution White Paper, working closely with the Metro Mayors to lobby for city and local governments to be given the powers they need, as set out in the LFC, to support communities as they recover from the impact of the coronavirus.
I have taken forward the recommendations for City Hall. Specifically, on 9 and 10, TfL led research into Land Value Capture mechanisms (published here)) and collaborated with a Government taskforce investigating a Development Right Auction Model (here). On recommendation 15, I have commissioned a feasibility study into a Voluntary Visitor Donation scheme. On recommendation 22, the GLA and TfL worked closely with the National Infrastructure Commission to secure a very favourable National Infrastructure Assessment for London and other cities.

Zebra Crossings (1)

Keith Prince: How many Zebra crossings has TfL removed since May 2016?

The Mayor: Transport for London’s (TfL) systems do not allow for tracking removals and installations of crossings, rather providing a list of assets as a snapshot in time It is a record of assets on street, and not those planned.
Under my Healthy Streets approach, TfL is continually enhancing the street environment to encourage more people to take walking trips. Providing appropriate crossing facilities is an integral part of these efforts.
For example, as part of TfL’s Liveable neighbourhood programme, there are plans to install a number of new zebra crossings in Romford and Greenwich town centre. Public consultation on these proposals will begin next year.

Zebra Crossings (2)

Keith Prince: How many additional Zebra crossings has TfL put in place since May 2016?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/20294.

Zebra Crossings (3)

Keith Prince: How many planned Zebra crossings has TfL cancelled since May 2016?

The Mayor: Please see my response to Mayor’s Question 2019/20294.